Quando in Roma...

I received an e-mail yesterday asking if I would allow the photo above to be published on this website. Although it's nothing monumental, it's the 2nd time someone has used my photography on flickr and, really, that's pretty exciting! I never took photography seriously and still don't, actually; it's just a fun and creative past time I've somehow fallen into.

The pictures is of some remnants of the Ancient City in Rome, Italy. I went there two summers ago and I can't really put into words the time I had. Eye opening could describe it. Beyond amazing would work as well. I think the most accurate, however, would be inspiring.

I spent two weeks in Europe visiting my friend Katie as she took classes in Florence. With her I saw Florence, Pisa, and Paris (we took a night train to France for a few days). By myself I saw Milan, Bologna, Venice, and Rome. I've never traveled alone before and starting in a country where you only somewhat speak the language doesn't seem like the smartest way to start out. Incidentally, I found it to be the perfect way to start out. Jump in head first, eyes wide open.

Rome was actually my least favorite of the cities. Although it was historic and beautiful, it was also rude and unfriendly. Coming from the relaxing and aquatic city of Venice, Rome was a change of pace.

But away from the fast cars and pushy locals was the Ancient City. Full of buildings that Caesar himself walked through. I passionately wanted someone to scream out "Et tu, Brute?" but, alas, I was alone. I walked through the entire archaeological find in complete awe. How were things still standing? I stumbled upon a huge foot, separated from the rest of its body and gawked at how large that statue should have been. There was the Forum Romanum, Plantine Hill and Circus Maximus. All from BC and all still standing.

What do we have like that in America? Yes, our country is significantly younger, but still, what do we have that's comparable? In Orlando our sites are a giant castle constructed in the 70s and huge bank buildings. Okay, we do have history here, yes, we have the White House and the Liberty Bell. The Grand Canyons and Mount Rushmore. But how long will they last? With all of the renovations and restorations, how long will authentic architecture stay around?

While walking past Circus Maximus, I saw a small cave. Walking through it, there was some more rubble and more statues. I took some pictures and kept walking. Noticing that no one was looking, I picked up a small stone and put it in my bag. It might not have been from BC, but it was at least old. I wanted to bring a piece of history back with me, a real piece. And, hey, when in Rome...